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Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Published on: March 2, 2014
Role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling in virus replication and potential for developing broad
Yogesh Chander1,2, Ram Kumar1,3, Nitin Khandelwal1,4
1National Centre for Veterinary Type Cultures, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Abstract:
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a key role in complex cellular processes such as proliferation, development, differentiation, transformation and apoptosis. Mammals express at least four distinctly regulated groups of MAPKs which include extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK)-1/2, p38 proteins, Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK1/2/3) and ERK5. p38 MAPK is activated by a wide range of cellular stresses and modulates activity of several downstream kinases and transcription factors which are involved in regulating cytoskeleton remodeling, cell cycle modulation, inflammation, antiviral response and apoptosis. In viral infections, activation of cell signalling pathways is part of the cellular defense mechanism with the basic aim of inducing an antiviral state. However, viruses can exploit enhanced cell signalling activities to support various stages of their replication cycles. Kinase activity can be inhibited by small molecule chemical inhibitors, so one strategy to develop antiviral drugs is to target these cellular signalling pathways. In this review, we provide an overview on the current understanding of various cellular and viral events regulated by the p38 signalling pathway, with a special emphasis on targeting these events for antiviral drug development which might identify candidates with broad spectrum activity.
Insights
This review explores how the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is involved in viral infections and cellular defense mechanisms. Targeting this pathway offers a promising strategy for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are crucial for cellular processes like proliferation and apoptosis.
- The p38 MAPK pathway is activated by cellular stress and regulates critical functions including inflammation and antiviral responses.
- Viruses can manipulate host cell signaling pathways, including p38 MAPK, to facilitate their replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the p38 signaling pathway in viral infections.
- To explore the potential of targeting p38 MAPK for antiviral drug development.
- To identify strategies for developing broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cellular and viral events regulated by the p38 signaling pathway.
- Analysis of the p38 MAPK's involvement in host-pathogen interactions.
- Examination of small molecule inhibitors targeting kinase activity.
Main Results:
- The p38 MAPK pathway plays a dual role in viral infections, acting in both cellular defense and viral replication.
- Dysregulation of p38 signaling by viruses can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
- Targeting cellular signaling pathways presents a viable strategy for broad-spectrum antiviral drug discovery.
Conclusions:
- The p38 signaling pathway is a significant target for antiviral drug development.
- Inhibiting specific p38-mediated events could lead to novel antiviral therapies.
- Further research into p38 MAPK modulation may yield broad-spectrum antiviral candidates.
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